Development of Community-Based Urban Farming to Support Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in Residential Areas

Abstract

The expansion of urban residential areas has reduced the availability of land for food production and increased household dependence on external food supplies. This situation is also evident in Perumahan Pondok Tandala Kawalu, Tasikmalaya City, a partner community under the 2026 PPBM Community Service Program. Household yards and public spaces in the area have not been optimally utilized, while household organic waste management remains limited. These conditions have adversely affected household food security and the environmental quality of the residential area. This program aimed to develop community-based urban farming as an approach to strengthening household food security while promoting sustainable environmental management. A participatory community empowerment approach was adopted by integrating simple and appropriate technologies. The program was implemented through extension activities, training, and continuous mentoring. Its main activities included community outreach, training in crop cultivation using polybags and vertical gardening systems, the introduction of household composting technology for organic waste processing, and program monitoring and evaluation. The program also facilitated the establishment of an urban farming community named the Tandala Hijau Lestari Farmers’ Group to sustain activities at the community level and encourage their replication in other residential areas. Overall, the extension and training activities received positive responses and appreciation from the participants, who expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired at both household and group levels. The program also generated socioeconomic benefits by strengthening psychological, organizational, and human assets. The expected outputs include an article published in an ISSN-registered scientific journal, publication in print media, intellectual property rights, a video, and a poster.